A fireplace is an attractive home addition that creates a cozy place for friends and family to gather during cold weather. While a lovely architectural feature in a room, fireplaces must be regularly maintained for safety and efficiency. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends having a certified chimney sweep inspect your chimney annually. Always ensure the fireplace is functioning properly before you use it at the start of the season. To test your fireplace, light a few pieces of wood first and check if the smoke is drawn upward and released through the chimney. If the smoke enters your room, you may be able to identify the problem. Common issues that cause smoke to back up into your room are obstructions in the chimney duct, too much creosote or soot buildup, a closed damper, or simply wet wood. A small crack in the mortar securing your bricks can be symptomatic of a larger problem. You may be able to inspect and find some of these issues, but a professional inspection is recommended for a complete understanding of the material condition of your fireplace. Common signs of a fireplace issue: On occasion, a malfunctioning fireplace is the result of a chimney fire that the owner may not be aware is occurring. A chimney fire can present an immediate risk to your home. In the case of a wood-fueled fire in a masonry fireplace or wood stove, a slow burning chimney fire may not get enough air or have enough fuel to be noticeable. These often go undetected until a chimney cleaning or inspection, Therefore, it is important that you be proactive with regular inspections. To maintain peace of mind and ensure that your home and family are safe, follow these tips: CED has a team of Certified Fire Protection Specialists (CFPS) available to help in the event of fire damage to your home or structure. Thomas L. Hannon, P.E., CFEI, CVFI, CFPS, George Wharton, P.E., CFEI, CVFI, CFPS, Douglas Hrobak, M.S.M.E., P.E., CFEI, and Gregory J. Paulsen, P.E., CPE, CFEI, CFPS are ready to investigate your next case or claim involving a fireplace or fire. Contact us today or submit a case online!